Supported Connection Assembly

ABSTRACT

A wellbore servicing operation connection system comprising a first fluid conduit, a second fluid conduit, wherein each of the first fluid conduit and the second fluid conduit is fluidicly connected to a wellbore servicing equipment component, a primary connection between the first fluid conduit and the second fluid conduit, and wherein the primary connection provides a route of fluid communication between the first fluid conduit and the second fluid conduit, and a housing, generally defining an axial bore with respect to a longitudinal axis and substantially enclosing the primary connection.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND

Hydrocarbon-producing wells are often stimulated, for example, byhydraulic fracturing operations, wherein a fracturing fluid may beintroduced into a portion of a subterranean formation penetrated by awellbore at a hydraulic pressure sufficient to create or enhance atleast one fracture therein. A subterranean formation may act as a sourceand/or storage location for natural resources such as hydrocarbons.Stimulating or treating the wellbore in such ways may increasehydrocarbon production from the well. Suitable fluid supplies aresometimes required to prepare wellbore servicing fluids employed in theperformance of various wellbore servicing operations.

The transport of hydrocarbons, water, lubricants, wellbore servicingfluids, and/or the like, for example, oil and gas from a subterraneanformation, may require a plurality of fluid conduits (e.g., tubularmembers) and the use of various connections, of various types and/orconfigurations, between such fluid conduits, both above and below theearth's surface. For example, it may be necessary to connect varioustubular members, such as pipeline members or riser members, transferconduits, joints, or the like, to each other, to a platform, to otherhydrocarbon production equipment, to storage units, to totes, and/orcombinations thereof.

In some instances the integrity of some of these conduits and/orconnections may become compromised, for example, as a result of fluidseals deterioration, failure of mechanical components of suchconnections, operator error, over-pressuring situations, and/orcombinations thereof. As a result of such compromised connections, afluid such as hydrocarbons, water, lubricants, wellbore servicing fluids(e.g., fracturing fluids), wellbore servicing fluid components, and/orthe like may be discharged from the fluid conduits and into thesurrounding environment. Additionally or alternatively, fluid conduitconnections made within a workspace may be susceptible to accidentaldisconnections, for example, as a result of an operator accidentallyreleasing a latching mechanism between a pair of fluid conduits orfailing to properly secure a connection, thereby causing fluid to bedischarged into the surrounding environment. In some instances, forexample, the fluid may be pressurized within the fluid conduit and maybe hazardously discharged (e.g., sprayed or spewed) at a high velocity.Additionally or alternatively, in some instances, for example, the fluidmay comprise hazardous materials and, when discharged, may contaminatethe surrounding area or present a hazard to personnel. As such, there isa need to prevent fluid leaks and/or to control fluids that may leak orotherwise escape from such conduit connections.

SUMMARY

Disclosed herein is a wellbore servicing operation connection systemcomprising a first fluid conduit, a second fluid conduit, wherein eachof the first fluid conduit and the second fluid conduit is fluidiclyconnected to a wellbore servicing equipment component, a primaryconnection between the first fluid conduit and the second fluid conduit,and wherein the primary connection provides a route of fluidcommunication between the first fluid conduit and the second fluidconduit, and a housing, generally defining an axial bore with respect toa longitudinal axis and substantially enclosing the primary connection.

Also disclosed herein is a wellbore servicing method comprisingproviding a first wellbore servicing equipment component, the firstwellbore servicing equipment component being in fluid communication witha first fluid conduit, providing a second wellbore servicing equipmentcomponent, the second wellbore servicing equipment component being influid communication with a second fluid conduit, establishing a primaryconnection between the first fluid conduit and the second fluid conduit,wherein the primary connection provides a route of fluid communicationbetween the first fluid conduit and the second fluid conduit, andproviding a housing generally defining an axial bore with respect to alongitudinal axis and substantially enclosing the primary connection.

Further disclosed herein is a wellbore servicing method comprisingproviding a primary connection which provides a route of fluidcommunication between a first wellbore servicing equipment component anda second fluid conduit, identifying a fluid leak from the primaryconnection, and providing a housing generally defining an axial borewith respect to a longitudinal axis and substantially enclosing theprimary connection to contain the fluid leak.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure and theadvantages thereof, reference is now made to the following briefdescription, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings anddetailed description:

FIG. 1 is a partial view of an operating environment of a supportedconnection assembly;

FIG. 2 is an oblique projection view of an embodiment of a supportedconnection assembly housing;

FIG. 3 is an oblique projection view of an embodiment of a axiallyjoinable supported connection assembly housing;

FIG. 4 is an oblique projection view of an embodiment of alongitudinally joinable supported connection assembly housing;

FIG. 5 is a partial cut-away view of an embodiment of a primaryconnection between a first fluid conduit and a second fluid conduit atleast partially encapsulated by a secondary connection;

FIG. 6 is a partial cut-away view of an embodiment of a primaryconnection between a first fluid conduit and a second fluid conduit atleast partially encapsulated by a secondary connection comprising afirst seal;

FIG. 7 is a partial cut-away view of an embodiment of a primaryconnection between a first fluid conduit and a second fluid conduit atleast partially encapsulated by a secondary connection comprising afirst seal and a second seal;

FIG. 8 is a partial cut-away view of an alternative embodiment of aprimary connection between a first fluid conduit and a second fluidconduit at least partially encapsulated by a secondary connection;

FIG. 9 is of a partial cut-away view of an alternative embodiment of aprimary connection between a first fluid conduit and a second fluidconduit at least partially encapsulated by a secondary connectioncomprising a first seal; and

FIG. 10 is of a partial cut-away view of an alternative embodiment of aprimary connection between a first fluid conduit and a second fluidconduit at least partially encapsulated by a secondary connectioncomprising a first seal and a second seal.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

In the drawings and description that follow, like parts are typicallymarked throughout the specification and drawings with the same referencenumerals, respectively. In addition, similar reference numerals mayrefer to similar components in different embodiments disclosed herein.The drawing figures are not necessarily to scale. Certain features ofthe invention may be shown exaggerated in scale or in somewhat schematicform and some details of conventional elements may not be shown in theinterest of clarity and conciseness. The present disclosure issusceptible to embodiments of different forms. Specific embodiments aredescribed in detail and are shown in the drawings, with theunderstanding that the present disclosure is not intended to limit theinvention to the embodiments illustrated and described herein. It is tobe fully recognized that the different teachings of the embodimentsdiscussed herein may be employed separately or in any suitablecombination to produce desired results.

Unless otherwise specified, use of the terms “connect,” “engage,”“couple,” “attach,” or any other like term describing an interactionbetween elements is not meant to limit the interaction to a directinteraction between those elements and may also include an indirectinteraction between the elements described.

Unless otherwise specified, use of the terms “up,” “upper,” “upward,”“up-hole,” “upstream,” or other like terms shall be construed asgenerally from the formation toward the surface or toward the surface ofa body of water; likewise, use of “down,” “lower,” “downward,”“down-hole,” “downstream,” or other like terms shall be construed asgenerally into the formation away from the surface or away from thesurface of a body of water, regardless of the wellbore orientation. Useof any one or more of the foregoing terms shall not be construed asdenoting positions along a perfectly vertical axis.

Unless otherwise specified, use of the term “subterranean formation”shall be construed as encompassing both areas below exposed earth andareas below earth covered by water such as ocean or fresh water.

Disclosed herein are embodiments of a supported connection assembly(SCA) and methods of using the same. Particularly, disclosed herein areone or more embodiments of a SCA incorporated along two or more fluidconduits, for example, at a connection between two or more conduits. Inan embodiment, a SCA may provide additional structural support to aprimary connection, for example, between a first fluid conduit to asecond fluid conduit. In such an embodiment, the SCA may be effective tocontain any fluid leaks from a primary connection (e.g., to reduceenvironmental contamination, fluid losses, and/or hazardous conditions,as may be due to a leak from the primary connection). Additionally oralternatively, in one or more of the embodiments disclosed herein, a SCAmay be effective to shield the primary connection (e.g., to reduce thepotential that a primary connection will be unintentionally discounted).

Referring to the embodiment of FIG. 1, an embodiment of an operatingenvironment in which such a SCA may be employed is illustrated. It isnoted that although some of the figures may exemplify horizontal orvertical-oriented fluid conduits, the principles of the methods,apparatuses, and systems disclosed herein may be similarly applicable tofluid conduits having various configurations, orientations, placements,locales, and combinations thereof. Therefore, the orientation, locale,or other nature of any figure is not to be construed as limiting theusage or implementation of an SCA to any particular configuration.

In an embodiment, the operating environment may comprise a well sitecomprising a drilling or servicing rig 102 and may generally comprise aderrick with a rig floor through which a tubular string 104 (e.g., adrill string; a work string such as a segmented tubing string, a coiledtubing string, jointed pipe string, or the like; a casing string; orcombinations thereof) may be lowered into the wellbore. In such anembodiment, the tubular string 104 may comprise a wellbore servicingapparatus configured for one or more wellbore servicing operations(e.g., a cementing or completion operation, a clean-out operation, aperforating operation, a fracturing operation, production ofhydrocarbons, etc.) which may be integrated within the tubular stringfor the purpose of performing one or more wellbore servicing operations.The drilling or servicing rig 102 may be conventional and may comprise amotor driven winch and other associated equipment for lowering thetubular string and/or wellbore servicing apparatus into the wellbore.Alternatively, a mobile workover rig, a wellbore servicing unit (e.g.,coiled tubing units), or the like may be present at the well site andmay be used to lower the tubular string and/or wellbore servicingapparatus into the wellbore for the purpose of performing a wellboreservicing operation. In an alternative embodiment, the operatingenvironment may comprise well site comprising a drilling, servicing,and/or production rig which may be located on a platform (e.g., adrilling, servicing, and/or production platform) at the surface of abody of water and may be employed to drill and/or service a wellboreand/or to produce hydrocarbons therefrom. In an embodiment, theoperational environment may further comprise one or more wellboreservicing equipment components generally positioned at the well site,for example, a wellbore servicing manifold trailer, a blender, a boostpump, a high-pressure pump, a treatment system, a water tank, anadditive tank, a mixer, and/or any other suitable wellbore servicingequipment components. Additionally or alternatively, such wellboreservicing fluid components may comprise one or more valves, for example,an input and/or discharge valve, such as may be configured to controlfluid communication to/from a treatment tank. In such an embodiment, thetreatment tank may comprise a tote, an open top tank, an open air tank,an enclosed tank, a tanker trailer, a tanker truck, a trailer mountedwater tank, an over-road tanker truck, a suction tank, a feed tank, orany other suitable tank, as would be appreciated by one of skill in theart upon viewing this application. Additionally or alternatively, in anembodiment, the valve may comprise a valve stem handle, for example, forthe purpose of allowing or disallowing fluid communicationthere-through. Additionally, the operational environment may furthercomprise a wellhead (e.g., via a “Christmas tree”).

In such an embodiment, two or more of such wellbore servicing equipmentcomponents may be fluidicly connected (e.g., in fluid communication withone another via one or more fluid conduits, tubulars, valves, etc.), forexample, for performing a drilling wellbore drilling operation, awellbore servicing operation, a hydrocarbon production operation, orcombination thereof. For example, in an embodiment two or more of suchwellbore servicing components may be directly, fluidicly connected(e.g., a valve, directly connected to a tank). Alternatively, in anembodiment two or more wellbore servicing components may be indirectly,fluidicly connected, for example, via one or more fluid conduits.Non-limiting examples of such fluid conduits may include a hose, amanifold, a pipe, a tubular, a valve, and/or any other suitablestructures as would be appreciated by one of skill in the art uponviewing this disclosure. Further, one or more of such wellbore servicingequipment components may be fluidicly connected to the wellbore via thewellhead, for example, via a fluid conduit. Therefore, in suchembodiments, a number and variety of fluid connections (e.g., betweentwo or more wellbore servicing equipment components, between a componentand a fluid conduit, and/or between two or more fluid conduits) may bepresent at the well site.

The SCA 300, as will be disclosed herein, may be disclosed withreference to a connection between two fluid conduits (e.g., a firstconduit 110 a, a second fluid conduit 110 b). In such an embodiment, thefirst fluid conduit 110 a and the second fluid conduit 110 b maycommunicate a fluid for a wellbore servicing operation or componentthereof, communicate a produced fluid, communicate a fluid for disposal,or communicate a fluid for any other suitable purpose. As used herein,the term “fluid conduit” may generally refer to a flow pathway andassociated physical structure via which a fluid may be conveyed. Unlessotherwise noted, the term “fluid conduit” may include any suitableconfiguration of wellbore servicing equipment components, tubulars, orthe like, as will be appreciated by one of skill in the art upon viewingthis disclosure. As such, a SCA 300 may be employed at a fluidconnection between two or more wellbore servicing equipment components,at a fluid connection between a component and a fluid conduit, at afluid connection between two or more fluid conduits, or at somecombination of these. Therefore, while one or more of the embodimentsdisclosed herein may reference a particular type and/or configuration offluid connection, the SCA should not be construed as limited to use withany particular type or configuration of fluid connection.

As will be disclosed with reference to FIGS. 5 through 10, in anembodiment, a SCA 300 may generally comprise a housing 200 and a fluidconduit (e.g., the first fluid conduit 110 a and/or the second fluidconduit 110 b). Particularly, in an embodiment, the housing 200 may bepositioned around or about the fluid conduit, for example, around orabout a primary connection 100 between two or more fluid conduits.Additionally, in such an embodiment, the housing 200 may furthercomprise a secondary connection 150, for example, between two or morecomponents of the housing 200. Additionally, in an embodiment the SCA300 may further comprise one or more seals 210, for example, disposedproximate to the primary connection and at least partially orsubstantially covered by the housing 200, for example, at an interfacebetween the housing 200 and at least one fluid conduit, as will bedisclosed herein. In various embodiments, the SCA 300 may be configuredto shield and/or contain a fluid leak. Additionally or alternatively,the SCA 300 may be configured to shield, protect, and/or contain theprimary connection 100.

In an embodiment, one or more connections may be used to join two ormore fluid conduits, for example, conduits connecting wellbore servicingcomponents for the purpose of communicating and/or transporting a fluidtherethrough (e.g., hydrocarbons, water, lubricants, fracturing fluids,wellbore servicing fluids, wellbore servicing fluid components, producedfluids, fluids to be disposed of, the like, or combinations thereof). Inan embodiment, a primary connection 100 may form a fluid-tight and/orsubstantially fluid-tight seal and may join the two or more fluidconduits, as will be disclosed herein. Referring to FIG. 1, in anembodiment the primary connection 100 may be used to fluidicly join thefirst fluid conduit 110 a and the second fluid conduit 110 b.

As disclosed above, in an embodiment, the first fluid conduit 110 aand/or the second fluid conduit 110 b may comprise any suitable type offluid conduit, for example, non-limiting examples of the suitable typesof fluid conduits include a tubular (such as a pipe, a tubular, a hose,a valve, a and/or manifold), a wellbore servicing equipment component(e.g., as disclosed herein and/or as will be appreciated by one of skillin the art), a container (such as a reservoir, tank, or the like), orcombinations thereof. Additionally, in such an embodiment, the firstfluid conduit 110 a, the second fluid conduit 110 b, and/or variousportions thereof may be formed of one or more suitable materials suchas, but not limited to, iron, carbon steel, stainless steel, non-ferrousmetals, non-metallic material, brass, aluminum, plastic, elastomers,composites, and/or any other suitable material as would be appreciatedby one of skill in the art upon viewing this disclosure.

In an embodiment, the first fluid conduit 110 a comprises and terminateswith a first connecting interface 100 a and the second fluid conduit 110b comprises and terminates with a second connecting interface 100 b. Thefirst connecting interface may be complementary to the second connectinginterface. In such an embodiment, the first connecting interface 100 aand/or the second connecting interface 100 b may be formed of one ormore suitable materials such as, but not limited to, iron, steel, brass,stainless steel, aluminum, plastic, composites, and/or any othersuitable materials as would be appreciated by one of skill in the artupon viewing this disclosure. In such an embodiment, the primaryconnection 100 may be formed by joining the first connecting interface100 a and the second connecting interface 100 b. In an embodiment, theprimary connection may comprise any suitable type and/or configurationof connection. Examples of suitable types and/or configurations of suchconnections include, but are not limited to, an air king coupling, a camand groove coupling, a ground joint coupling, a hoselink coupling, ahozelock coupling, a storz coupling, a Guillemin symmetrical clutchcoupling, a Barcelona coupling, a Nakajima coupling, a gost coupling, amachine coupling, a threaded coupling (e.g., national standard threadcoupling), an expansion ring coupling, a holedall coupling, a mulconroycoupling, a bolted flange coupling, and/or any other suitable type ofcoupling as would be appreciated by one of skill in the art upon viewingthis disclosure. In an such embodiment, the first connecting interface100 a and/or the second connecting interface 100 b may comprise anysuitable make-up for use in making the primary connection, for example,an internally and/or externally threaded coupling, a box pin coupling, atensioning coupling, a latching coupling, a compression coupling, amechanical bolt type coupling, an adapter coupling, a sleeve coupling, arestraint harness coupling, a quick connect coupling, a hose clamp, amale coupling, a female coupling, a sexless coupling, a quarter turncoupling, a flanged lip, a collar, and/or any other suitable devices, orcombinations thereof, as would be appreciated by one of skill in the artupon viewing this disclosure.

In an embodiment, the housing 200 may be generally configured tosubstantially enclose (e.g., to be positioned about or around) at leasta portion of the fluid conduit 110 a, the second fluid conduit 110 b,and/or the primary connection 100. In an embodiment, the housing 200generally comprises a cylindrical or tubular-like structure. In anembodiment, the housing 200 may be constructed, for example, of a rigidand/or substantially rigid material (e.g., plastic tubing, iron, steeltubing, brass tubing, copper tubing, polyvinylchloride), a flexibleand/or substantially flexible material (e.g., elastomeric compound,rubber hose, vinyl tubing, reinforced vinyl tubing, latex hose, heatshrinkable tubing, nylon tubing, polyolefin tubing), and/or somecombination thereof.

Referring to FIGS. 2-4, various embodiments of a housing 200 as may beemployed in a SCA 300 are illustrated. In the embodiments of FIGS. 2-4,the housing 200 generally defines an axial bore 124. In an embodiment,the diameter of the axial bore 124 is generally greater than the outerdiameter of the first fluid conduit 110 a, the second fluid conduit 110b, and/or the primary connection 100. Additionally, in such anembodiment, the axial bore 124 may be sized such that the first fluidconduit 110 a, the second fluid conduit 110 b, and/or the primaryconnection 100 fit within the axial bore 124 of the housing 200. In anembodiment, the diameter of the axial bore 124 may be substantiallyuniform, for example, substantially unchanged over the length of thehousing 200. In an additional or alternative embodiment, the diameter ofthe axial bore 124 may vary depending upon the location along alongitudinal axis 400. For example, in an embodiment, the housing 200may comprise a relatively reduced axial bore 124 proximate to its outeredges along the longitudinal axis 400, for example, for the purpose ofrestricting and/or preventing movement of the housing 200 relative tothe first fluid conduit 110 a, the second fluid conduit 110 b, and/orthe primary connection 100. Additionally or alternatively, the diameterof the axial bore 124 may be adjustable and/or variable, for example,the housing 200 may comprise a polyolefin tubing and may be heatshrinkable so as to reduce the diameter of the axial bore 124 to aboutthe size of the first fluid conduit 110 a, the second fluid conduit 110b, and/or the primary connection 100.

In an embodiment, the housing 200 may further comprise a viewing window.In such an embodiment, the viewing window may be at least partially orsubstantially transparent and may allow for an interior portion of thehousing 200 to be viewed from a location exterior to the housing. In anembodiment, the viewing window may comprise a plastic, glass, laminate,or any other suitable material, or combinations thereof, as would beappreciated by one of skill in the art.

Additionally or alternatively, in an embodiment, the housing 200 mayfurther comprise one or more recesses, grooves, slots, or the like (forexample, a circumferential groove) circumscribed into or onto the innerdiameter of the housing 200. For example, in an embodiment, the one ormore grooves may be sized to retain one or more seals, as will bedisclosed herein.

Additionally, in an embodiment, the housing 200 may further comprise adrain port (e.g., an orifice with a drain plug, valve, spigot, or thelike), for example, on a lower end, portion, or side thereof as orientedrelative to the primary connection 100. In such an embodiment, the drainplug may be configured to selectively provide a route of fluidcommunication out of the axial bore 124 to the exterior of the housing200. In an embodiment, the drain port may comprise a threaded borewithin the structure of the housing 200 and a threaded drain plug. In anadditional or alternative embodiment, the drain port may comprise valvesuch as stopcock or an adjustable bleeder valve.

Referring to FIG. 2, in an embodiment, the housing 200 may comprise aunitary structure, for example, the housing 200 may comprise a segmentof tubing. For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 2, the housing 200comprises a substantially rigid unitary structure, such as a segment ofPVC tubing. In an alternative embodiment, the housing 200 may comprise aflexible unitary structure, for example, the housing 200 may comprise asegment of nylon tubing.

In an alternative embodiment, the housing 200 may be made up of two ormore operably connected portions (e.g., a first portion and a secondportion). In such an embodiment, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 3,the two or more components of the housing 200 may be axially joinable(e.g., joinable in an axial direction via a joint or union extendingradially around the longitude of the housing 200), thereby dividing thehousing 200 into segments with respect to a longitudinal axis 400, forexample, into a plurality of co-axial cylindrical segments (e.g., afirst portion 200 a and a second portion 200 b) coupled and/or contactvia a first circumferential edge 201 a and a second circumferential edge201 b, respectively.

Alternatively, in the embodiment of FIG. 4, the housing 200 may beradially joinable (e.g., joinable in a radial direction via a joint orunion extending the length of the housing 200) with respect to alongitudinal axis 400. For example, in such an embodiment, the housing200 may comprise radial portions (e.g., a first portion 200 a and asecond portion 200 b each comprising about one half of a cylinder) andfurther coupled and/or in contact via longitudinal edges (e.g., a firstlongitudinal edge 202 a, a second longitudinal edge 202 b). In such anembodiment, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the housing 200 maybe in the form of a “clamshell” and further comprise a hinge joining thefirst portion 200 a (e.g., along the second longitudinal edge 202 bthereof) and the second portion 200 b (e.g., along the firstlongitudinal edge 202 a thereof). In an alternative embodiment, such ahinge may be absent and the two or more portions of the housing 200 maybe joined (e.g., held together) as will be disclosed herein.Alternatively, in an embodiment, the housing 200 may comprise three ormore radial portions, for example, a first portion hinged on both sidesto a single side of each of a second portion and a third portion.Alternatively, in an embodiment, the housing 200 of the SCA 300 maycomprise any suitable structure; such suitable structures will beappreciated by those of skill in the art upon viewing this disclosure.

Additionally, in an embodiment, the housing 200 may further comprise oneor more alignment pins and holes, grooves and slots, and/or the likealong one or more of the circumferential edges 201 a and 201 b or alongone or more of the longitudinal edges 202 a and 202 b. For example, inan embodiment, the one or more alignment pins and hole (or othersuitable, complementary structures) may be employed to align therespective edges and/or faces of the first portion 200 a and the secondportion 200 b of the housing 200, for example, prior to or during thesteps of joining the first portion 200 a and the second portion 200 b,as will be disclosed herein.

In an embodiment where the housing 200 comprises two or more portions(e.g., as disclosed with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4), the SCA 300 mayfurther comprise a secondary connection, that is, a connection joiningthe two or more portions of the housing 200. For example, referring toFIGS. 5, 6 and 7, in an embodiment where the housing 200 is axiallyjoinable, as previously disclosed with respect to FIG. 3, the firstportion 200 a and the second portion 200 b may be recombined and/orfastened along the one or more circumferential edges (e.g., the firstcircumferential edge 201 a and the second circumferential edge 201 b) ofthe first portion 200 a and the second portion 200 b via the secondaryconnection 150. In such an embodiment, the secondary connection maycomprise a threaded connection (e.g., having internally and/orexternally threaded surfaces), a box pin coupling, a tensioningcoupling, a latching coupling, one or more welded bonds, a compressioncoupling, a mechanical bolt type coupling, an adapter coupling, a sleevecoupling, a restraint harness coupling, a quick-connect coupling, hoseclamps, a male coupling, a female coupling, a sexless coupling, aquarter turn coupling, a flanged lip, a collar, an air king coupling, acam and groove coupling, a ground joint coupling, a hoselink coupling, ahozelock coupling, a storz coupling, a Guillemin symmetrical clutchcoupling, a Barcelona coupling, a Nakajima coupling, a gost coupling, amachine coupling, a national standard thread coupling, an expansion ringcoupling, a holedall coupling, a mulconroy coupling, a lock ring withmating profiles, and/or any other suitable devices as would beappreciated by one of skill in the art upon viewing this disclosure, orcombinations thereof.

Alternatively, referring to FIGS. 8, 9, and 10, in an embodiment wherethe housing 200 is radially joinable, as previously disclosed withrespect to FIG. 4, the first portion 200 a and the second portion 200 bmay be recombined and/or fastened to form the secondary connection 150along one or more longitudinal edges of the first portion 200 a and thesecond portion 200 b via the secondary connection 150. For example, inan embodiment, the secondary connection may comprise a latchingmechanism, one or more bolts penetrating one or more threaded bore holein the housing 200, a tensioning coupler, a latching coupler, one ormore welded bonds, a compression coupler, a mechanical bolt typecoupling, an adapter, a sleeve coupler, a restraint harness, a quickconnect system, hose clamps, and/or any other suitable devices, orcombinations thereof, as would be appreciated by one of skill in theart.

Additionally, in an embodiment secondary connection 150 may beconfigured so as to be substantially fluid-tight. For example, in anembodiment, the housing 200 may comprise one or more seals, gaskets, asealing adhesive, or the like at the interface between the first portion200 a and the second portion 200 b. For example, in the embodiment ofFIG. 3, a seal or gasket may be present at a joint or union between thefirst circumferential edge 201 a and the second circumferential edge 20lb or, alternatively, in the embodiment of FIG. 4, at a joint or unionbetween the first longitudinal edge 202 a and the second longitudinaledge 202 b (e.g., of the first portion 200 a and the second portion 200b). In such embodiments, such a seal, gasket, or the like may provide asubstantially fluid tight joint or union between the first portion 200 aand the second portion 200 b, for example, such that a fluid which leaksfrom the primary connection 100 may be retained within the housing 200(e.g., within a confined space formed with the flowbore 124 of thehousing 200) as will be disclosed herein.

In various embodiments, for example, as illustrated in FIGS. 6-7 andFIGS. 9-10, the SCA 300 may comprise one or more seals 210 (e.g.,O-rings or the like) disposed between the housing 200 and the firstfluid conduit 110 a and/or the second fluid conduit 110 b. The one ormore seals 210 may be constructed of, for example, a rigid orsubstantially rigid material (e.g., plastic, nylon, brass), a flexibleor substantially flexible material (e.g., rubber, elastomeric material),a swellable material (e.g., expanding elastomeric materials), and/orsome combination thereof. Suitable seals and/or configurations ofinclude but are not limited to a T-seal, an O-ring, a gasket, a nylonring, metallic ring, and any combinations thereof. For example, in anembodiment, a rigid or substantially rigid seal (e.g., a nylon ring) maybe used in conjunction with a flexible housing structure (e.g., a hose).In an alternative embodiment, a flexible or substantially flexible seal(e.g., a rubber seal) may be used in conjunction with a rigid housingstructure (e.g., steel tubing). In an alternative embodiment, aswellable seal (e.g., an expanding elastomeric seal) may be used inconjunction with a rigid housing structure (e.g., steel tubing). In analternative embodiment, any suitable combination of seals or housingstructures may be used as would be appreciated by one of skill in theart upon viewing this disclosure.

In an embodiment, the one or more seals 210 may be displaced within oneor more recesses, grooves, slots or the like within the housing 200.Alternatively, in an embodiment, the one or more seals may be disposedonto the first fluid conduit 110 a and/or the second conduit 110 b andmay be positioned to be at least partially covered by the housing 200.Upon establishing the secondary connection 150, in an embodiment, theone or more seals 210 may form a substantially fluid-tight interface(and define an inner sealed volume of the housing 200) between the innersurface of the housing 200 and the first fluid conduit 110 a and/orbetween the inner diameter surface of the housing 200 and the secondfluid conduit 110 b. In an embodiment, the one or more seals 210 may beused to resist, impede, or prohibit movement of the housing 200 relativeto the first fluid conduit 110 a and/or the second fluid conduit 110 b.Additionally, in such an embodiment, the one or more seals 210 mayprovide a fluid-tight and/or substantially fluid-tight seal preventing aroute of fluid communication out of the axial bore 124 of the housing200.

For example, in the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 6 and FIG. 9, theSCA 300 may comprise a first seal 210 a disposed between the housing 200and the first fluid conduit 110 a and, in the event of a fluid leak fromthe primary connection 100, the first seal 210 a may prevent the fluidleak from exiting the housing 200 in the direction of the first seal 210a. Additionally, in the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 7 and FIG. 10,the SCA 300 may comprise a first seal 210 a disposed between the firstconduit 110 a and the housing 200 and a second seal 210 b disposedbetween the second conduit 110 b and the housing 200. In an embodiment,in the event of a fluid leak from the primary connection 100 the firstseal 210 a and the second seal 210 b may contain the fluid leak within asealed interior volume of the housing 200 of the SCA 300. In suchembodiments, the first seal 210 a and/or the second seal 210 b may beincorporated within the housing 200 of the SCA 300 (e.g., within agroove). In an alternative embodiment, for example, as illustrated inFIG. 5 and FIG. 8, the SCA 300 may comprise no seals and may reinforcethe primary connection 100 and in the event of a fluid leak from theprimary connection 100, may shield any discharge (e.g., spray) from theprimary connection 100. In such an embodiment, the fluid leak may beallowed to exit via the axial bore 124 of the housing 200 of the SCA300, but may do so without spraying or jetting. Additionally, in such anembodiment the SCA 300 may further protect the primary connection 100and/or shield the primary connection 100 from an unintended oraccidental disconnection.

Also disclosed herein are one or more embodiments of a wellboreservicing method utilizing the SCA 300, for example, as disclosedherein. In an embodiment, such a wellbore servicing method may generallycomprise the steps of providing and/or assembling a SCA 300 andcommunicating a fluid via the SCA 300. In an additional embodiment, thewellbore servicing method may further comprise monitoring the SCA 300for fluid leaks, draining the SCA 300, and disassembling the SCA 300.

In an embodiment, the step of providing and/or assembling a SCA 300 mayfurther comprise the sub-steps of providing one or more fluid conduits110, establishing a primary connection 100, and providing a housing 200disposed around the primary connection, as will be disclosed herein.

As noted above, a plurality of fluid conduits and various connectionsbetween such conduits may be found at a wellsite. For example, in suchan embodiment, various wellbore servicing equipment components may begenerally positioned at a well site and may be attached to a wellhead ofa wellbore, for example, for the purpose of performing one or morewellbore servicing operations. In such an embodiment, a plurality offluid conduits (e.g., hoses, steel tubing) may be employed fortransporting fluids (e.g., water, hydrocarbons, wellbore servicingfluids) throughout the well site (e.g., between various wellboreservicing equipment components). For example, in an embodiment, thefirst fluid conduit 110 a may comprise of a hose and the second fluidconduit 110 b may comprise an input and/or output valve of a tank.Alternatively, in an embodiment, a connection may be made between anywellbore servicing components, tubulars, and/or various other fluidconduits as disclosed herein and as will be appreciated by one of skillin the art upon viewing this application.

As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art, such fluid conduits,for example, various wellbore servicing equipment components, tubulars,or the like, may be transported to the wellsite and there assembled(e.g., fluidicly connected), for example, to yield a desiredconfiguration (e.g., a “fracturing spread”).

In an embodiment, where the housing 200 comprises a unitary structure,as previously disclosed with reference to FIG. 2, prior to establishingthe primary connection, the housing 200 may be disposed onto, over,and/or about the first fluid conduit 110 a or the second fluid conduit100 b. In an embodiment, where the housing 200 is axially joinable andcomprises the first portion 200 a and the second portion 200 b, aspreviously disclosed with reference to FIG. 3, prior to establishing theprimary connection, as will be disclosed herein, the first portion 200 aof the housing 200 may be disposed onto, over, and/or about the firstfluid conduit 110 a and the second portion 200 b may be disposed onto,over, and/or about the second fluid conduit 110 b, as illustrated inFIGS. 5-7. Alternatively, in an embodiment where the housing 200 isradially joinable and comprises a first portion 200 a and a secondportion 200 b, as previously described with reference to FIG. 4, it maybe unnecessary to dispose any portion of the housing 200 about or aroundany portion of the first fluid conduit 100 a, the second fluid conduit100 b, or combinations thereof prior to connecting the fluid conduits toform a primary connection.

In an additional embodiment, prior to establishing the primaryconnection, one or more seals, for example, a first seal 210 a (e.g., anO-ring) may be introduced over and disposed onto the first fluid conduit110 a. Additionally, in an embodiment, a second seal 210 b (e.g., anO-ring) may be introduced over and disposed onto the second fluidconduit 110 b, as illustrated in FIG. 7 and FIG. 10. In an alternativeembodiment, any suitable combination and/or number of seals may beincorporated with the first fluid conduit 110 a and/or the second fluidconduit 110 b. For example, in an embodiment, only one seal may bedisposed onto the first fluid conduit 110 a or the second fluid conduit110 b, as illustrated in FIG. 6 and FIG. 9. In an alternativeembodiment, no seals may be disposed onto the first fluid conduit 110 aand/or the second fluid conduit 110 b, as illustrated in FIG. 5 and FIG.8.

In an embodiment, establishing a primary connection 100 may comprisejoining the first fluid conduit 110 a and the second fluid conduit 110b. In such an embodiment, the first fluid conduit 110 a may comprise asuitable first connecting interface 100 a (for example, a sexlessquarter turn coupling) and the second fluid conduit 110 b may comprise asuitable second connecting interface 100 b (for example, a sexlessquarter turn coupling). In such an embodiment, establishing the primaryconnection 100 may comprise joining the first connecting interface 100 aand the second connecting interface 100 b.

In an embodiment, the first connecting interface 100 a and the secondconnecting interface 100 b may be positioned so as to engage one anotherand be joined. In such an embodiment, joining the first connectinginterface 100 a and the second connecting interface 100 b may form afluid-tight or substantially fluid-tight connection, therebyestablishing the primary connection 100. Alternatively, the primaryconnection 100 may be established by any suitable methods, as will beappreciated by one of skill in the art upon viewing this disclosure, soas to join any of the previously disclosed connection types and/orconfigurations.

For example, in an embodiment where the first connecting interface 100 aand/or the second connecting interface 100 b comprise a male threadedcoupling and a female threaded coupling (or vice versa), forming theprimary connection 100 may comprise radially rotating the firstconnecting interface 100 a with respect to the second connectinginterface 100 b about a longitudinal axis 400, such that the male andfemale threads become engaged. In another embodiment, where the firstconnecting interface comprises one or more exterior grooves and thesecond interface 100 b comprises one or more cam arms, forming theprimary connection may comprise inserting the male coupling within thefemale coupling and engaging the one or more cam arms of the femalecoupling with the one or more grooves of the male coupling, therebyapplying a force to the male coupling (e.g., against a gasket within thefemale coupling) to form the primary connection 100. In anotherembodiment where the first connecting interface 100 a and/or the secondconnecting interface 100 b may comprise sexless couplings, forming theprimary connection may comprise butting the first and second interfaces,100 a and 100 b, against one another, thereby forming a common flowpath, radially rotating one or both about a common longitudinal axis 400to form the primary connection 100.

Alternatively, in an embodiment where the first connecting interface 100a and the second connecting interface 100 b comprise outwardly flangedlips, forming the primary connection may comprise butting the firstconnecting interface 100 a and the second connecting interface 100 bagainst one another, thereby creating a common flow path, andintroducing a collar comprising an internal groove over the flanged lipssuch that the flanged lips of the first fluid conduit 110 a and thesecond fluid conduit 110 b are retained within the groove of the collar.In an embodiment, the collar may comprise one or more threaded bores andmay be fastened via one or more threaded bolts penetrating one or morethreaded bores (or non-threaded bores and secured via threaded nuts) inthe collar. In an alternative embodiment, the collar may be fastened viaa latching mechanism. Alternatively, in an embodiment, the primaryconnection 100 may be established by introducing a plurality of threadedbolts penetrating a plurality of common threaded bores within theflanged lips of the first connecting interface 100 a and the secondconnecting interface 100 b.

Alternatively, in an embodiment where the first connecting interface 100a and the second connecting interface 100 b may be butted against oneanother, thereby creating a common flow path, the primary connection 100may be established by welding one or more bonds at the interface betweenthe first connecting interface 100 a and the second connecting interface100 b. Alternatively, in an embodiment, the primary connection 100 maybe established by introducing a restraint harness onto the first fluidconduit 110 a and the second fluid conduit 110 b. In such an embodiment,the restraint harness may forcibly pull the first connecting interface100 a and the second connecting interface 100 b together via one or morethreaded bolts penetrating one or more threaded bores (or non-threadedbores and secured via threaded nuts) within the restraint harness.Alternatively, the primary connection 100 may be established by anysuitable methods as would be appreciated by one of skill in the art uponviewing this disclosure.

In an embodiment, providing a housing disposed around the primaryconnection may generally comprise positioning the housing 200 over,around, and/or substantially covering the primary connection 100 andestablishing the secondary connection.

For example, in an embodiment where the housing 200 is axially joinable(e.g., as disclosed with reference to FIG. 3 and FIGS. 5-7) and thesecondary connection 150 may be established by joining the first portion200 a and the second portion 200 b of the housing 200, providing ahousing 200 disposed around the primary connection 100 may generallycomprise positioning the first portion 200 a and the second portion 200b so as to cover at least a portion of the primary connection 100, andjoining or securing the first and second portions together. As disclosedherein, in an embodiment where the housing comprises two axiallyjoinable portions, prior to establishing the primary connection 100, thefirst portion 200 a of the housing 200 may be positioned over/around thefirst fluid conduit 110 a and the second portion 200 b of the housing200 may be positioned over/around the second fluid conduit 110 b. Insuch an embodiment, positioning the first portion 200 a and the secondportion 200 b of the housing 200 about or around the primary connection100 may comprise bringing the first and second portion, 200 a and 200 b,together axially so as to substantially cover the primary connection100.

In such an embodiment, with the first portion 200 a and the secondportion 200 b positioned over/around the primary connection 100, thefirst portion 200 a and the second portion 200 b may be joined, forexample, thereby establishing the secondary connection 150.

For example, in an embodiment where the housing 200 is axially joinableand the first portion 200 a and/or the second portion 200 b of thehousing 200 may comprise a male threaded coupling and a female threadedcoupling, forming the secondary connection 150 may comprise radiallyrotating the first portion 200 a with respect to the second portion 200b, such that the male and female threads become engaged. In anotherembodiment, where the first portion 200 a comprises one or more exteriorgrooves and the second portion 200 b comprises one or more cam arms,forming the secondary connection 150 may comprise inserting the malecoupling within the female coupling and engaging the one or more camarms of the female coupling with the one or more grooves of the malecoupling, thereby applying a force to the male coupling (e.g., against agasket within the female coupling) to form the secondary connection 150.In another embodiment where the first portion 200 a and/or the secondportion 200 b comprises sexless coupling, forming the secondaryconnection may comprise butting the first and second portions, 200 a and200 b, against one another, thereby forming a common flow path, radiallyrotating one or both with respect to about the common longitudinal axis400 to form the secondary connection 150.

Alternatively, in an embodiment where the housing 200 is axiallyjoinable and the first portion 200 a and the second portion 200 b of thehousing 200 comprise outwardly flanged lips, forming the secondaryconnection 150 may comprise butting the first portion 200 a and thesecond portion 200 b against one another, thereby creating a common flowpath, and introducing a collar comprising an internal groove over theflanged lips such that the flanged lips of the first portion 200 a andthe second portion 200 b are retained within the groove of the collar.In an embodiment, the collar may comprise one or more threaded bores andmay be fastened via one or more threaded bolts penetrating one or morethreaded bores (or non-threaded bores and secured via threaded nuts) inthe collar. In an alternative embodiment, the collar may be fastened viaa latching mechanism. Alternatively, in an embodiment, the secondaryconnection 150 may be established by introducing a plurality of threadedbolts penetrating a plurality of common threaded bores (or non-threadedbores and secured via threaded nuts) within the flanged lips of thefirst portion 200 a and the second portion 200 b. Additionally, in suchan embodiment, the housing 200 may further comprise one or more seals210 disposed within the union of the first portion 200 a and the secondportion 200 b.

Alternatively, in an embodiment where the housing 200 is axiallyjoinable and the first portion 200 a and the second portion 200 b of thehousing 200 may be butted against one another creating a common flowpath, the secondary connection 150 may be established by welding one ormore bonds at the interface between the first portion 200 a and thesecond portion 200 b. Alternatively, in an embodiment, the secondaryconnection 150 may be established by introducing a restraint harnessonto the first portion 200 a and the second portion 200 b. In such anembodiment, the restraint harness may forcibly pull the first portion200 a and the second portion 200 b together via one or more threadedbolts penetrating one or more threaded bores (or non-threaded bores andsecured via threaded nuts)within the restraint harness. Additionally, insuch an embodiment, the housing 200 may further comprise one or moreseals 210 disposed within the union of the first portion 200 a and thesecond portion 200 b.

Alternatively, in an embodiment where the housing 200 is longitudinallyjoinable (e.g., as disclosed with reference to FIG. 4 and FIGS. 8-10)and the secondary connection 150 may be established by joining the firstportion 200 a and the second portion 200 b of the housing 200, providinga housing 200 disposed around the primary connection 100 may similarlycomprise positioning the first portion 200 a and the second portion 200b so as to cover at least a portion of the primary connection 100, andjoining or securing the first and second portions together. For example,in such an embodiment the housing 200 may be positioned so as to encloseat least a portion of the primary connection 100, the first fluidconduit 110 a and/or the second fluid conduit 110 b after the primaryconnection 100 has been established. In such an embodiment, after thehousing 200 has been positioned with respect to the primary connection,the secondary connection 150 may be established by joining and securingthe first portion 200 a and the second portion 200 b, for example, via alatching mechanism, as previously disclosed. Additionally oralternatively, in an embodiment where two edges of the first portion 200a and the second portion 200 b are movably attached (e.g., via a hingeor the like), the remaining edges may be secured. For example, theprimary connection 100 may be surrounded by a clamshell housing that isrotated closed about the hinge and latched to yield a secondaryconnection 150.

Alternatively, in an embodiment where the housing 200 comprises aunitary structure (e.g., a sleeve as disclosed with reference to FIG. 2)the housing 200 may be positioned so as to cover at least a portion ofthe primary connection 100, the first fluid conduit 110 a and/or thesecond fluid conduit 110 b. For example, a unitary housing 200 may beplaced over an end of the first fluid conduit 110 a or the second fluidconduit 110 b prior to forming the primary connection 100, andsubsequently moved or shifted into a location covering the primaryconnection 100. Additionally, the housing 200 may be secured intoposition, for example, via one or more hose clamps, ties, straps, or thelike. Alternatively, the secondary connection 150 may be established byany of the previously disclosed methods.

Additionally, in an embodiment where the SCA 300 comprises one or moreseals 210, the seals may be positioned at and/or within the interfacebetween the housing 200 and the first fluid conduit 110 a and/or thesecond fluid conduit 110. In an embodiment, the seals 210 may bepositioned prior to establishing the secondary connection 150, forexample, as disclosed above. Alternatively, the seals 210 may bepositioned after the housing 200 has been positioned. For example, aswellable seal, as disclosed herein, may be loosely disposed at theinterface and caused to expand, thereby providing a substantiallyfluid-tight seal, for example, via contact with a suitable fluid (e.g.,water and/or a hydrocarbon). Alternatively, seals 210 may be formed, forexample, by placing an expanding material (e.g., pressurized foam orexpanding sealant) in a gap between the housing 200 or the fluidconduits.

In an embodiment, once the SCA 300 has been provided, a fluid may becommunicated via the fluid conduits and the primary connection 100. Forexample, a servicing fluid (e.g., a stimulation fluid such as afracturing fluid) may be transported into/from a wellbore via the firstfluid conduit 110 a, the second fluid conduit 110 b, and/or the SCA 300.In an alternative embodiment, a produced fluid, for example,hydrocarbons (e.g., oil and/or gas) may be transported from a wellborevia the first fluid conduit 110 a, the second fluid conduit 110 b,and/or the SCA 300. In an alternative embodiment, water may betransported via the first fluid conduit 110 a, the second fluid conduit110 b, and/or the SCA 300. In an alternative embodiment, any suitablefluid may be transported via the first fluid conduit 110 a, the secondfluid conduit 110 b, and/or the SCA 300, as previously disclosed.

In an embodiment, the SCA 300 may be monitored for fluid leaks, forexample, during the time in which a fluid is communicated therethrough.For example, the SCA 300 may be monitored by monitoring and/orinspecting the primary connection 100 within the axial bore 124 of thehousing 200 via a viewing window. In an embodiment, the SCA 300 may beexamined for fluid leaks and/or monitored for some duration of time, forexample, hourly, daily, weekly, monthly, annually, or any other suitableduration of time.

In an embodiment, where the SCA 300 is found (e.g., as a result ofmonitoring the SCA 300) to contain a fluid (e.g., as may result from afluid leak) the SCA 300 may be drained, for example, following a fluidleak contained within the sealed axial bore 124 of the housing 200. Insuch an embodiment, the SCA 300 may be drained via a drain port in thehousing 200. In an embodiment, an adjustable bleeder valve may be openedto provide a route of fluid communication from of the housing 200 and/orto extract fluid from within the sealed axial bore 124 of the housing200.

In an embodiment, following a wellbore servicing operation, the SCA 300may be disassembled, for example, the SCA 300 may be disassembled and/orremoved from the first fluid conduit 110 a, the second fluid conduit 110b, and/or the primary connection 100. In such an embodiment, thesecondary connection 150 may be broken (e.g., unscrewing matingcouplings) and/or the housing 200 may be removed. Additionally, in anembodiment, the primary connection 100 may be broken (e.g., unscrewingmating couplings). Further still, in an embodiment, one or more seals210 may be removed from the SCA 300.

In an additional or alternative embodiment, a wellbore servicing methodcomprises a method of repairing a fluid leak utilizing the SAC 300. Inan embodiment, such a wellbore servicing method may generally comprisethe steps of identifying a leak and providing a housing 200 around theleak. In an additional embodiment, such a repair method may furthercomprise monitoring the SCA 300, and draining the SCA 300.

In an embodiment, a fluid leak may be identified from one or more fluidconduits and/or at a connection between the one or more fluid conduits,for example, a servicing fluid leak from a connection between a pressurehose and a tank outlet valve. In an additional or alternativeembodiment, a leak may be identified from crack or fracture in a fluidconduit and/or at a failed fluid connection, for example, a fracture ina segment of steel tubing.

In an embodiment, a housing 200, for example, a longitudinally joinablehousing 200 as disclosed with reference to FIG. 4, may be positioned soas to enclose such a fluid leak, for example, a portion of the one ormore fluid conduits and/or a connection between the one or more fluidconduits. In such an embodiment, the first portion 200 a and the secondportion 200 b of the housing 200 may be joined together around the fluidleak and secured so as to form a sealed, fluid tight secondaryconnection 150, for example, as previously disclosed. Alternatively, thesecondary connection 150 may be established by any of the suitable,previously disclosed methods.

In an embodiment, the SCA 300 may be monitored, for example, bymonitoring the fluid leak within the contained , sealed axial bore 124of the housing 200 via a viewing window. In an embodiment, the SCA 300may be examined and/or monitored for some duration of time, for example,hourly, daily, weekly, monthly, annually, or any other suitable durationof time, as previously disclosed.

In an embodiment, the SCA 300 may be drained, for example, following afluid leak within the axial bore 124 of the housing 200. In such anembodiment, the SCA 300 may be drained via a drain port in the housing200, as previously disclosed. In an embodiment, an adjustable bleedervalve may be opened to provide a route of fluid communication from ofthe housing 200 and/or to extract fluid from within the sealed axialbore 124 of the housing 200.

In an embodiment, a SCA 300, a system comprising a SCA 300, and/or aconnection method employing such a system and/or SCA 300, as disclosedherein or in some portion thereof, may be advantageously employed toprevent, repair, isolate, shield, and/or to monitor fluid leaks fromfluid conduit connections. For example, in an embodiment, a SCA like SCA300 enables a fluid leak from a first fluid conduit 110 a, a secondfluid conduit 110 b, and/or a primary connection 100 between the firstfluid conduit 110 a and the second fluid conduit 110 b to be containedwithin the sealed axial bore 124 of the housing 200 of the SCA 300. Inan embodiment, the SCA 300 may also enable a fluid connection to bemonitored for fluid leaks from the first fluid conduit 110 a, the secondfluid conduit 110 b, and/or the primary connection 100 between the firstfluid conduit 110 a and the second fluid conduit 110 b while decreasingthe risk of loss of fluid as a result of such leaks. For example,following the SCA 300 installation, the integrity of the primaryconnection 100 may be monitored over some duration of time. Additionallyor alternatively, in an embodiment, the SCA 300 enables the areaproximate to the primary connection 100 to be shielded from a highvelocity fluid discharge from the primary connection 100 by the SCA 300.Additionally, in an embodiment, the SCA 300 may secure the primaryconnection 100, for example, from being accidentally disconnected by anoperator and/or equipment.

As may be appreciated by one of skill in the art, the SCA 300 can beincorporated onto new or existing connections and/or plurality of fluidconduits. Conventional methods of providing a connection do not providea way to isolate and/or to contain fluid leaks from a connection.Additionally, conventional methods do not provide a way to shieldagainst high velocity fluid discharges from a connection. Conventionalmethods also do not provide a way to secure a connection from anaccidental disconnection. Therefore, the methods disclosed hereinprovide a means by which a fluid leak can be prevented, repaired,isolated, contained, and/or monitored.

ADDITIONAL DISCLOSURE

The following are non-limiting, specific embodiments in accordance withthe present disclosure:

A first embodiment, which is a wellbore servicing operation connectionsystem comprising:

-   -   a first fluid conduit;    -   a second fluid conduit, wherein each of the first fluid conduit        and the second fluid conduit is fluidicly connected to a        wellbore servicing equipment component;    -   a primary connection between the first fluid conduit and the        second fluid conduit, and wherein the primary connection        provides a route of fluid communication between the first fluid        conduit and the second fluid conduit; and    -   a housing, generally defining an axial bore with respect to a        longitudinal axis and substantially enclosing the primary        connection.

A second embodiment, which is the wellbore servicing operationconnection system of the first embodiment, wherein the housing comprisestwo or more portions, wherein each of the two or more portions comprisesan axial portion of the housing with respect to the longitudinal axis ofthe housing.

A third embodiment, which is the wellbore servicing operation connectionsystem of the second embodiment, wherein the two or more portions areinterlockable via a secondary connection extending radially around thehousing with respect to the longitudinal axis.

A fourth embodiment, which is the wellbore servicing operationconnection system of one of the first through the third embodiments,wherein the housing comprises two or more portions, wherein each of thetwo or more portions comprises a radial portion of the housing withrespect to the longitudinal axis of the housing.

A fifth embodiment, which is the wellbore servicing operation connectionsystem of the fourth embodiment, wherein the two or more portions areinterlockable via a secondary connection extending longitudinally alongthe housing with respect to the longitudinal axis.

A sixth embodiment, which is the wellbore servicing operation connectionsystem of the fifth embodiment, wherein the housing further comprises ahinge along a longitudinal edge of a first of the two or more portionsand a longitudinal edge of the second of the two or more portions.

A seventh embodiment, which is the wellbore servicing operationconnection system of one of the first through the sixth embodiments,wherein the housing comprises a varying axial bore diameter.

An eighth embodiment, which is the wellbore servicing operationconnection system of one of the first through the seventh embodiments,wherein the housing comprises a variable axial bore diameter.

A ninth embodiment, which is the wellbore servicing operation connectionsystem of one of the first through the seventh embodiments, wherein thehousing comprises a rigid or substantially rigid structure.

A tenth embodiment, which is the wellbore servicing operation connectionsystem of one of the first through the eighth embodiments, wherein thehousing comprises a flexible structure.

An eleventh embodiment, which is the wellbore servicing operationconnection system of one of the first through the tenth embodiments,wherein the housing further comprises a drain plug selectivelyconfigurable to allow a route of fluid communication from the axial boreof the housing to the exterior of the housing.

A twelfth embodiment, which is the wellbore servicing operationconnection system of one or the first through the eleventh embodiments,wherein the housing comprises a viewing window configured to allowvisual inspection of an interior of the housing.

A thirteenth embodiment, which is the wellbore servicing operationconnection system of on of the first through the twelfth embodiments,further comprising one or more seals, wherein the one or more seals aredisposed at an interface between the first fluid conduit and thehousing, at an interface between the second fluid conduit and thehousing, or combinations thereof.

A fourteenth embodiment, which is a wellbore servicing methodcomprising:

-   -   providing a first wellbore servicing equipment component, the        first wellbore servicing equipment component being in fluid        communication with a first fluid conduit;    -   providing a second wellbore servicing equipment component, the        second wellbore servicing equipment component being in fluid        communication with a second fluid conduit;    -   establishing a primary connection between the first fluid        conduit and the second fluid conduit, wherein the primary        connection provides a route of fluid communication between the        first fluid conduit and the second fluid conduit; and    -   providing a housing generally defining an axial bore with        respect to a longitudinal axis and substantially enclosing the        primary connection.

A fifteenth embodiment, which is the wellbore servicing method of thefourteenth embodiment, wherein providing the housing comprises:

-   -   positioning a first housing portion and a second housing portion        so as to substantially enclose the primary connection; and    -   establishing a secondary connection between the first housing        portion and the second housing portion.

A sixteenth embodiment, which is the wellbore servicing method of thefifteenth embodiment, wherein the first housing portion is positionedaround the first fluid conduit and the second housing portion ispositioned around the second fluid conduit prior to establishing theprimary connection.

A seventeenth embodiment, which is the wellbore servicing method of thesixteenth embodiment, wherein the secondary connection extends radiallyaround the housing with respect to the longitudinal axis.

An eighteenth embodiment, which is the wellbore servicing method of thefifteenth embodiment, wherein the first housing portion and the secondhousing portion are positioned around the primary connection after theprimary connection has been established.

A nineteenth embodiment, which is the wellbore servicing method of theeighteenth embodiment, wherein the secondary connection extendslongitudinally along the housing with respect to the longitudinal axis.

A twentieth embodiment, which is the wellbore servicing method of one ofthe fourteenth through the nineteenth embodiments, further comprisingcommunicating fluid via the first fluid conduit, the second fluidconduit, and the primary connection.

A twenty-first embodiment, which is the wellbore servicing method of thetwentieth embodiment, further comprising monitoring the primaryconnection during at least a portion of the duration over which a fluidis communicated there through.

A twenty-second embodiment, which is the wellbore servicing method ofthe twentieth embodiment, further comprising draining a fluid from thehousing via a drain plug.

A twenty-third embodiment, which is a wellbore servicing methodcomprising:

-   -   providing a primary connection which provides a route of fluid        communication between a first wellbore servicing equipment        component and a second fluid conduit;    -   identifying a fluid leak from the primary connection; and    -   providing a housing generally defining an axial bore with        respect to a longitudinal axis and substantially enclosing the        primary connection to contain the fluid leak.

A twenty-fourth embodiment, which is the wellbore servicing method ofthe twenth-third embodiment, wherein providing the housing comprises:

-   -   positioning a first housing portion and a second housing portion        so as to substantially enclose the primary connection, wherein        each of the first housing portion and the second housing portion        comprises a radial portion of the housing with respect to the        longitudinal axis; and    -   establishing a secondary connection between the first housing        portion and the second housing portion, wherein the secondary        connection extends longitudinally along the housing with respect        to the longitudinal axis.

A twenty-fifth embodiment, which is the wellbore servicing method of oneof the twenty-third through the twenty-fourth embodiments, furthercomprising draining a fluid from the housing via a drain plug.

While embodiments of the invention have been shown and described,modifications thereof can be made by one skilled in the art withoutdeparting from the spirit and teachings of the invention. Theembodiments described herein are exemplary only, and are not intended tobe limiting. Many variations and modifications of the inventiondisclosed herein are possible and are within the scope of the invention.Where numerical ranges or limitations are expressly stated, such expressranges or limitations should be understood to include iterative rangesor limitations of like magnitude falling within the expressly statedranges or limitations (e.g., from about 1 to about 10 includes, 2, 3, 4,etc.; greater than 0.10 includes 0.11, 0.12, 0.13, etc.). For example,whenever a numerical range with a lower limit, R1, and an upper limit,Ru, is disclosed, any number falling within the range is specificallydisclosed. In particular, the following numbers within the range arespecifically disclosed: R=R1+k*(Ru−R1), wherein k is a variable rangingfrom 1 percent to 100 percent with a 1 percent increment, i.e., k is 1percent, 2 percent, 3 percent, 4 percent, 5 percent, . . . 50 percent,51 percent, 52 percent, . . . , 95 percent, 96 percent, 97 percent, 98percent, 99 percent, or 100 percent. Moreover, any numerical rangedefined by two R numbers as defined in the above is also specificallydisclosed. Use of the term “optionally” with respect to any element of aclaim is intended to mean that the subject element is required, oralternatively, is not required. Both alternatives are intended to bewithin the scope of the claim. Use of broader terms such as comprises,includes, having, etc. should be understood to provide support fornarrower terms such as consisting of, consisting essentially of,comprised substantially of, etc.

Accordingly, the scope of protection is not limited by the descriptionset out above but is only limited by the claims which follow, that scopeincluding all equivalents of the subject matter of the claims. Each andevery claim is incorporated into the specification as an embodiment ofthe present invention. Thus, the claims are a further description andare an addition to the embodiments of the present invention. Thediscussion of a reference in the Detailed Description of the Embodimentsis not an admission that it is prior art to the present invention,especially any reference that may have a publication date after thepriority date of this application. The disclosures of all patents,patent applications, and publications cited herein are herebyincorporated by reference, to the extent that they provide exemplary,procedural or other details supplementary to those set forth herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A wellbore servicing operation connection systemcomprising: a first fluid conduit; a second fluid conduit, wherein eachof the first fluid conduit and the second fluid conduit is fluidiclyconnected to a wellbore servicing equipment component; a primaryconnection between the first fluid conduit and the second fluid conduit,and wherein the primary connection provides a route of fluidcommunication between the first fluid conduit and the second fluidconduit; and a housing, generally defining an axial bore with respect toa longitudinal axis and substantially enclosing the primary connection.2. The wellbore servicing operation connection system of claim 1,wherein the housing comprises two or more portions, wherein each of thetwo or more portions comprises an axial portion of the housing withrespect to the longitudinal axis of the housing.
 3. The wellboreservicing operation connection system of claim 2, wherein the two ormore portions are interlockable via a secondary connection extendingradially around the housing with respect to the longitudinal axis. 4.The wellbore servicing operation connection system of claim 1, whereinthe housing comprises two or more portions, wherein each of the two ormore portions comprises a radial portion of the housing with respect tothe longitudinal axis of the housing.
 5. The wellbore servicingoperation connection system of claim 4, wherein the two or more portionsare interlockable via a secondary connection extending longitudinallyalong the housing with respect to the longitudinal axis.
 6. The wellboreservicing operation connection system of claim 5, wherein the housingfurther comprises a hinge along a longitudinal edge of a first of thetwo or more portions and a longitudinal edge of the second of the two ormore portions.
 7. The wellbore servicing operation connection system ofclaim 1, wherein the housing comprises a varying axial bore diameter. 8.The wellbore servicing operation connection system of claim 1, whereinthe housing comprises a variable axial bore diameter.
 9. The wellboreservicing operation connection system of claim 1, wherein the housingcomprises a rigid or substantially rigid structure.
 10. The wellboreservicing operation connection system of claim 1, wherein the housingcomprises a flexible structure.
 11. The wellbore servicing operationconnection system of claim 1, wherein the housing further comprises adrain plug selectively configurable to allow a route of fluidcommunication from the axial bore of the housing to the exterior of thehousing.
 12. The wellbore servicing operation connection system of claim1, wherein the housing comprises a viewing window configured to allowvisual inspection of an interior of the housing.
 13. The wellboreservicing operation connection system of claim 1, further comprising oneor more seals, wherein the one or more seals are disposed at aninterface between the first fluid conduit and the housing, at aninterface between the second fluid conduit and the housing, orcombinations thereof.
 14. A wellbore servicing method comprising:providing a first wellbore servicing equipment component, the firstwellbore servicing equipment component being in fluid communication witha first fluid conduit; providing a second wellbore servicing equipmentcomponent, the second wellbore servicing equipment component being influid communication with a second fluid conduit; establishing a primaryconnection between the first fluid conduit and the second fluid conduit,wherein the primary connection provides a route of fluid communicationbetween the first fluid conduit and the second fluid conduit; andproviding a housing generally defining an axial bore with respect to alongitudinal axis and substantially enclosing the primary connection.15. The wellbore servicing method of claim 14, wherein providing thehousing comprises: positioning a first housing portion and a secondhousing portion so as to substantially enclose the primary connection;and establishing a secondary connection between the first housingportion and the second housing portion.
 16. The wellbore servicingmethod of claim 15, wherein the first housing portion is positionedaround the first fluid conduit and the second housing portion ispositioned around the second fluid conduit prior to establishing theprimary connection.
 17. The wellbore servicing method of claim 16,wherein the secondary connection extends radially around the housingwith respect to the longitudinal axis.
 18. The wellbore servicing methodof claim 15, wherein the first housing portion and the second housingportion are positioned around the primary connection after the primaryconnection has been established.
 19. The wellbore servicing method ofclaim 18, wherein the secondary connection extends longitudinally alongthe housing with respect to the longitudinal axis.
 20. The wellboreservicing method of claim 14, further comprising communicating fluid viathe first fluid conduit, the second fluid conduit, and the primaryconnection.
 21. The wellbore servicing method of claim 20, furthercomprising monitoring the primary connection during at least a portionof the duration over which a fluid is communicated there through. 22.The wellbore servicing method of claim 20, further comprising draining afluid from the housing via a drain plug.
 23. A wellbore servicing methodcomprising: providing a primary connection which provides a route offluid communication between a first wellbore servicing equipmentcomponent and a second fluid conduit; identifying a fluid leak from theprimary connection; and providing a housing generally defining an axialbore with respect to a longitudinal axis and substantially enclosing theprimary connection to contain the fluid leak.
 24. The wellbore servicingmethod of claim 23, wherein providing the housing comprises: positioninga first housing portion and a second housing portion so as tosubstantially enclose the primary connection, wherein each of the firsthousing portion and the second housing portion comprises a radialportion of the housing with respect to the longitudinal axis; andestablishing a secondary connection between the first housing portionand the second housing portion, wherein the secondary connection extendslongitudinally along the housing with respect to the longitudinal axis.25. The wellbore servicing method of claim 23, further comprisingdraining a fluid from the housing via a drain plug.